Rummenigge speaks

FCB confirm interest in Schalke keeper Neuer

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed Bayern’s interest in Schalke and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. “And I do believe Manuel Neuer is interested in coming to Bayern,” the FCB chairman commented on Wednesday evening. The ball was now in the Gelsenkirchen club’s court, Rummenigge continued. “If Schalke indicate they’d be prepared to talk, we’ll hold talks.”

The Gelsenkirchen-born 23-year-old, who made his first senior appearance for Germany in Tuesday’s 7-2 victory over the UAE in Dubai, has remained tight-lipped recently when quizzed by reporters as to his intentions. The Schalke youth product is under contract to the Royal Blues until 2012.

Squad planning is one of the key topics currently under discussion in ongoing talks between the FCB board and new coach Louis van Gaal, who has been in Munich since Tuesday. The discussions had been “very constructive”, Rummenigge reported, “we’ve come a long way. Louis van Gaal is a man who knows what he wants and what he doesn’t want.”

“The task now is to try and implement the things we’ve discussed,” commented Rummenigge, “and we’ll do it as soon as we can, so everyone’s certain about the situation.” However, the summer transfer window does remain open until 31 August. Two staffing decisions have already been taken: Hermann Gerland will officially become assistant coach, and Zé Roberto is leaving the club.